Bachelor of Animal Ecology | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Animal Ecology

Help protect animals in their natural habitats

Work with animals and turn your love of nature into a meaningful career. In this program, you’ll study animals in their natural habitats to better understand how we can protect their future.

Study locations
  • Sunshine Coast
  • Moreton Bay
  • Fraser Coast
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
085714G
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
3 years
Annual tuition fee 2020
A$28,000
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$84,000
Footnotes
  • Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
  • * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
  • Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
  • ^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay campus from Semester 1, 2020.
Study locations QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 013201
  • Moreton Bay ^ 014271
  • Fraser Coast 019201
Refer to the program footnotes
Minimum selection threshold
ATAR - 54.55 OP - 18 Rank - 64
UniSC program code
SC320
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
3 years full time or equivalent part time
Study mode
Blended Learning
Recommended prior study
English, Maths B or C and one or more of the sciences
Fee type 2020
  • Commonwealth supported places
Total courses
24
Total units
288
Footnotes
  • ^First year courses offered at Moreton Bay campus from Semester 1, 2020.

Work with animals and turn your love of nature into a meaningful career. In this program, you’ll study animals in their natural habitats to better understand how we can protect their future.

You’ll complete fieldwork in Australia or overseas to learn about biodiversity, conservation, human-animal interactions, and the impacts of a changing environment.

In this program you will:

  • Study a wide range of marine and terrestrial wildlife, including sharks, snakes, birds, turtles and whales.
  • Learn how animals are impacted by humans and the environment.
  • Work alongside leading researchers to gain expertise in animal conservation and management.
  • Develop hands-on skills from your first year through fieldwork to North Stradbroke Island or Fraser Island.
  • Have opportunities for overseas study or fieldwork.
Career opportunities
  • Animal ecologist (in government agencies or private consulting)
  • Wildlife or environmental researcher
  • Park and wildlife ranger
  • Environmental educator
  • Environmental monitor
  • Ecotourism guide
  • Museum collector or curator
Graduates are eligible to become members of:
  • Ecological Society of Australia
  • Environmental Institute of Australia
  • Australian Mammal Society
  • Australian Marine Science Association
  • Society for Conservation Biology
  • Australian Wildlife Management Society
  • Australian Physiological Society

Program structure

Introductory courses (8) 96 units

COR109 Working with Victims and Offenders
ANM100 Introduction to Cyber Crime
ANM102 Research Principles in Mental Health and Neuroscience
ANM103 Mental Health and Neuroscience: Translational Research
ANM104 Youth Mental Health and Neurobiology
LFS100 Neuroimaging Advances in Mental Health
SCI102 Understanding and Preventing Suicide
SCI110 Healthy Brain Ageing

Developing and Graduate courses (10) 120 units

ANM201 Neurocognition and Mental Health
ANM203 Stress-related Disorders
ANM301 Lifestyle Factors and Mental Health
ANM302 Research Perspectives and Implementation B
ENS213 Research Perspectives and Implementation A
ENS222 Communication and Thought
ENS282 Animal Ecology Field Course
ENS316 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
ENS317 Animal Form, Function and Evolution

PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
ENS330 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
ENS333 Cell Biology
SRP301 Special Research Project
WPL310 Workplace Learning I

Elective courses (6) 72 units

Select 6 elective courses (72 units) from the undergraduate elective course options, at least 4 of which (48 units) must be developing and graduate level (200/300 coded).

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.

Total units: 288

Program requirements and notes

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Some courses may also include a compulsory field trip, requiring payment of an additional fee, and may be held outside of the regular teaching week, ie on weekends or during semester break
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
  • As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.